Bird Key Real Estate | Deep Water Canals

Bird Key, Sarasota FL -- At a Glance

ZIP Code

34236

Population

843

Median Age

Avg. Individual Income

$181,362

Location

Between downtown Sarasota and St. Armands Circle

Waterfront Access

Deep water canals, no bridges to Gulf

Find Your Deep Water Lot on Bird Key

Roger Pettingell has sold more homes on Bird Key than any other agent. He knows the depth of every canal and can tell you exactly what draft your vessel needs to dock at each property before you make an offer.

Ask Roger About Canal Depths

Explore Sarasota's Waterfront Communities

What homes are for sale on Bird Key Sarasota?

Bird Key homes for sale range from deep-water bayfront estates (sailboat access, no bridges to the Gulf) priced from $8 million to $15 million and above, to garden canal homes and non-waterfront lots priced from $2 million to $4 million. Because Bird Key has only 843 residents and no new development land, inventory is limited and moves quickly. Roger Pettingell tracks Bird Key listings before they appear on public MLS and maintains relationships with owners considering a sale. Contact him for current available inventory.

What is Bird Key in Sarasota Florida?

Bird Key is an exclusive residential island community in Sarasota, Florida (ZIP 34236) situated between downtown Sarasota and St. Armands Circle. It is home to 843 residents with an average individual income of $181,362 -- one of the highest per-capita income areas in Sarasota. The community is defined by its deep-water canals (many with no bridge restrictions to the Gulf), the Bird Key Yacht Club with a 42-slip marina, and its "5-Minute Rule" -- 5 minutes to downtown Sarasota and 5 minutes to Lido Key Beach.

How deep are the canals on Bird Key?

Canal depth on Bird Key varies significantly by location and is one of the most critical factors for boat owners. Bayfront estates on the eastern edge of Bird Key have unrestricted deep water access capable of accommodating mega yachts and sailboats ($8M-$15M+ price range). Sailboat canals offer deep water with no bridge restrictions and accommodate large cruisers over 50 feet ($4M-$8M range). Garden canals have standard depth with some bridge restrictions, suitable for runabouts and pontoon boats ($3M-$5M range). Roger Pettingell knows the specific draft depth of every canal on Bird Key -- contact him before making an offer on any waterfront property.

What is the Bird Key Yacht Club?

The Bird Key Yacht Club is the social and recreational hub of Bird Key, featuring a 42-slip marina with wet slips and lifts, a fitness center, tennis courts, and a waterfront dining terrace with views of the Sarasota downtown skyline. Membership is available to Bird Key residents and is considered essential for the full island experience. Notably, even Bird Key garden lot (non-waterfront) owners can keep their boat at the Yacht Club marina, making waterfront lifestyle accessible across all property types on the island.

How high above sea level is Bird Key?

Bird Key sits at a low elevation typical of Florida barrier island communities, with most properties at approximately 5-8 feet above sea level. Buyers should obtain a current FEMA flood zone determination and elevation certificate for any specific property, as flood zone designation and flood insurance requirements vary by location within the community. Roger Pettingell can provide guidance on flood history and insurance considerations for any Bird Key property.

Who is the best real estate agent for Bird Key Sarasota?

Roger Pettingell has sold more homes on Bird Key than any other individual agent in Sarasota. His knowledge of canal depth, bridge clearance, and Yacht Club access at each specific lot is unmatched. He represents both buyers seeking deep-water access and sellers who want to attract the right boating buyer for their property. For Bird Key real estate, contact Roger Pettingell directly.

Bird Key: The Boater's Sanctuary

Deep Water Canals, No Bridges, and Minutes to the Gulf

Bird Key (34236) is not just a neighborhood; it is a nautical lifestyle. Located between downtown Sarasota and St. Armands Circle, it is one of the few communities where you can dock a 60ft+ yacht in your backyard and be in the Gulf of Mexico in under 10 minutes.

However, for the serious boater, not all lots are created equal. The difference between a "Canal Lot" and a "Bayfront Lot" can mean the difference between parking a center console or a sailboat.

The Bird Key Water Matrix

Can your boat fit? A guide to water depth and bridge clearance.

Location Type	Water Depth	Vessel Capacity	Price Tier
Bayfront Estates	Deep / Unrestricted	Mega Yachts / Sailboats	$8M - $15M+
Sailboat Canals	Deep / No Bridges	Large Cruisers (50ft+)	$4M - $8M
Garden Canals	Standard / Bridges	Runabouts / Pontoons	$3M - $5M
Garden Lots (Dry)	N/A	N/A (Use Yacht Club)	$2M - $3M

The Bird Key Yacht Club Lifestyle

Life here revolves around the Bird Key Yacht Club. Unlike many other clubs, this is a true social hub for residents.

For Boaters: The club features a 42-slip marina with wet slips and lifts. Even if you buy a "Garden Lot" (non-waterfront), you can still keep your boat on the island.

For Socialites: With a fitness center, tennis courts, and a waterfront dining terrace offering the best skyline views of Sarasota, membership is virtually a requirement for the full experience.

Location: The "5-Minute" Rule

Bird Key residents live by the "5-Minute Rule."

5 Minutes East: Downtown Sarasota (Opera, Theater, Whole Foods).
5 Minutes West: Lido Key Beach and St. Armands Circle (Dining/Shopping).

You are physically separated from the traffic, yet instantly connected to the culture.

Find Your Deep Water Lot

Roger Pettingell has sold more homes on Bird Key than any other agent. He knows the depth of every canal.

Ask Roger About Draft Depths

Overview for Bird Key, FL

843 people live in Bird Key, where the median age is 64 and the average individual income is $181,362. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

843

Total Population

64 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density
This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$181,362

Average individual Income

Around Bird Key, FL

There's plenty to do around Bird Key, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

7

Car-Dependent

Walking Score

44

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Fresh Flamingo, Sunshine Canning, and Le Mans.

Name	Category	Distance	Reviews	Ratings by Yelp
Visit the Fresh Flamingo page on Yelp Search 6592 Superior Ave on Google Maps	Dining	4.88 miles	25 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Sunshine Canning page on Yelp Search 289 Lime Cir on Google Maps	Dining · $	2.46 miles	8 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Le Mans page on Yelp Search 707 S Washington Blvd on Google Maps	Dining	1.96 miles	7 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the The Lounge at element page on Yelp Search 1409 Main St on Google Maps	Dining	1.63 miles	10 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Camilyn Beth Studio page on Yelp Search 468 Quay Commons on Google Maps	Shopping	1.63 miles	8 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the The George page on Yelp Search 1960 Main St on Google Maps	Shopping	2.09 miles	16 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Captain Gregg Fishing Charters page on Yelp Search 920 John Ringling Cswy on Google Maps	Active	0.73 miles	8 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Val Mackay Fitness Coaching page on Yelp	Active	0.54 miles	10 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Siesta Key Fishing Charters page on Yelp	Active	3.68 miles	8 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Siesta Key Concierge page on Yelp Search 1940 Hyde Park on Google Maps	Active	1.79 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Cruisin' Tikis page on Yelp Search 920 John Ringling Cswy on Google Maps	Nightlife	1.12 miles	20 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Karen Fronckoski- Lourdes' Nail Studio page on Yelp Search 330 S Pineapple Ave on Google Maps	Beauty	1.56 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the West Coast Plastic Surgery page on Yelp Search 2677 S Tamiami Trl on Google Maps	Beauty	1.96 miles	6 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Cindy's Amazing Massage Spa page on Yelp Search 1734 4th St on Google Maps	Beauty	2.07 miles	6 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Viziato By, Jana Marie's Esthetics page on Yelp Search 47 S Palm Ave on Google Maps	Beauty	1.54 miles	12 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Lasting Looks of Sarasota page on Yelp Search 3300 S Tamiami Trl on Google Maps	Beauty	2.06 miles	7 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Arumdaum Aesthetics page on Yelp Search 1716 4th St on Google Maps	Beauty	2.05 miles	10 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the ManCave For Men - Downtown SRQ page on Yelp Search 1415 1st St on Google Maps	Beauty	1.69 miles	6 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Le Haircut Salon Spa page on Yelp Search 1239 N Gulfstream Ave on Google Maps	Beauty	1.47 miles	8 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the A Lash Above page on Yelp Search 5899 Whitfield Ave on Google Maps	Beauty	2.75 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Dayna Purcell Hair page on Yelp Search 1816 Hillview on Google Maps	Beauty	1.13 miles	8 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Adri Glamour Lashes page on Yelp Search 1900 Main St on Google Maps	Beauty	2.07 miles	6 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Your Massage Sarasota page on Yelp	Beauty	2.46 miles	7 reviews	5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Bird Key, FL

Population Households Employment

Bird Key has 417 households, with an average household size of 2. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Bird Key do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

843

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

64

Median Age

47.09 / 52.91%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

Less Than 9th Grade
High School Degree
Associate Degree
Bachelor Degree
Graduate Degree

417

Total Households

2

Average Household Size

$181,362

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married

Single

Divorced

Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes

15 to 29 Minutes

30 to 59 Minutes

60+ Minutes

Search Homes in the Area

Featured Properties

For Sale
$10,995,000

667 MOURNING DOVE DR, SARASOTA, FL 34236
- 5 Beds
- 7 Baths
- 6,570 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$9,995,000

6001 GULF OF MEXICO DR, LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228
- 5 Beds
- 7 Baths
- 6,959 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$8,495,000

401 QUAY COMMONS #805, SARASOTA, FL 34236
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 3,647 Sq.Ft.
For Sale

$7,999,000

1199 WESTWAY DR, SARASOTA, FL 34236
For Sale
$6,995,000

2116 CASEY KEY RD, NOKOMIS, FL 34275
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 5,590 Sq.Ft.
Pending
$4,495,000

1356 POINT CRISP RD, SARASOTA, FL 34242
- 5 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 7,443 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$4,495,000

476 MEADOW LARK DR, SARASOTA, FL 34236
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 3,336 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$4,495,000

575 S SPOONBILL DR, SARASOTA, FL 34236
- 4 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 3,900 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$4,195,000

656 TROPICAL CIR, SARASOTA, FL 34242
- 4 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 5,238 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$3,995,000

8017 MANASOTA KEY RD, ENGLEWOOD, FL 34223
- 5 Beds
- 7 Baths
- 5,222 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$3,775,000

464 GOLDEN GATE PT #304, SARASOTA, FL 34236
- 3 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 3,290 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$3,695,000

7689 COVE TER, SARASOTA, FL 34231
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 4,564 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$3,249,000

8250 HUGH ALISON PL, SARASOTA, FL 34240
- 5 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 5,163 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$2,995,000

340 GULF OF MEXICO DR #136, LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2,880 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$2,895,000

3548 FAIR OAKS LN, LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228
- 4 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 3,470 Sq.Ft.
Pending
$2,795,000

3598 FAIR OAKS LN, LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 3,417 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$2,695,000

2410 HARBOURSIDE DR #142, LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 3,382 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$2,650,000

2050 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN DR #B704, SARASOTA, FL 34236
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2,936 Sq.Ft.
Pending
$2,499,000

1241 GULF OF MEXICO DR #304, LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 3,045 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$2,499,000

35 WATERGATE DR #1506, SARASOTA, FL 34236
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2,799 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$2,495,000

3530 MISTLETOE LN, LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 3,102 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$2,295,000

355 S SHORE DR, SARASOTA, FL 34234
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 3,276 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$2,149,000

3930 ELYSIAN WOODS LN, SARASOTA, FL 34231
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 3,531 Sq.Ft.
Pending
$1,995,000

775 LONGBOAT CLUB RD #408, LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2,122 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$1,850,000

541 FORE DR, BRADENTON, FL 34208
- 5 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 4,296 Sq.Ft.
Pending
$1,599,000

800 N TAMIAMI TRL #505/507, SARASOTA, FL 34236
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2,981 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$1,595,000

3060 GRAND BAY BLVD #195, LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2,250 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$1,594,000

1513 OAK ST #18, SARASOTA, FL 34236
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 1,910 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$1,399,000

3271 ALEX FINDLAY PL, SARASOTA, FL 34240
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 3,340 Sq.Ft.
Pending
$1,395,000

1145 GULF OF MEXICO DR #503, LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,503 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$1,299,999

111 S PINEAPPLE AVE #1103, SARASOTA, FL 34236
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,600 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$1,299,000

1055 GULF OF MEXICO DR #504, LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,503 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$1,095,000

1919 LAUREL ST, SARASOTA, FL 34236
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,713 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$999,000

5320 GULF OF MEXICO DR #101, LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,323 Sq.Ft.
Pending
$995,000

7809 ALLEN ROBERTSON PL, SARASOTA, FL 34240
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2,432 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$975,000

1350 SIESTA BAYSIDE DR #1350B, SARASOTA, FL 34242
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,495 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$899,000

3295 ALEX FINDLAY PL, SARASOTA, FL 34240
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2,273 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$825,000

4235 GULF OF MEXICO DR #T101, LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228
- 1 Bed
- 1 Bath
- 720 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$799,000

1125 GULF OF MEXICO DR #101, LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,172 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$799,000

5311 GULF OF MEXICO DR #5, LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,110 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$749,000

1111 N GULFSTREAM AVE #10E, SARASOTA, FL 34236
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,575 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$734,000

1328 SIESTA BAYSIDE DR #1328C, SARASOTA, FL 34242
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,280 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$599,000

2374 ARLINGTON ST, SARASOTA, FL 34239
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,126 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$589,000

1350 MAIN ST #712, SARASOTA, FL 34236
- 1 Bed
- 1 Bath
- 944 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$359,900

631 N ORANGE AVE #107, SARASOTA, FL 34236
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 784 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$329,900

631 N ORANGE AVE #208, SARASOTA, FL 34236
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 784 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$150,000

2491 CRISPIN CT #G3, SARASOTA, FL 34235
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,230 Sq.Ft.